One Summer Day in Rome

A Novel

By: Mark Lamprell

Narrated by: Steve West

“New York, Paris, London—every grand metropolis—has its own irresistible attraction but Rome so swirls with stories of saints and sinners…lovers and fighters, that she compels you towards her, like gravity…. No one leaves her unaltered. Part of you always loves her. This is the place where passions are aroused, senses inflamed, and lovers fall into each other’s arms. It all appears to unfold like magic but I will tell you what really happens…Come with me, if you will, and observe my labors.”

Mark Lamprell's One Summer Day in Rome is an enchanting audiobook about three couples drawn irresistibly to Rome, narrated by the city itself.

Alice, an art student in New York City, has come to Rome in search of adventure and inspiration before settling down with her steady, safe fiancé. Meg and Alec, busy parents and successful business people from LA, are on a mission to find the holy grail, a certain blue tile that will make their home renovation complete—but soon it becomes clear that their marriage needs a makeover as well. Connie and Lizzie are women of a certain age—“Sometimes I look at my laughter lines and wonder what on earth could have been that funny”—who come from London to scatter the ashes of their beloved husband and brother. Both women are seemingly done with romance, but Rome has other ideas.

Brimming with wit and charm (and gelato), One Summer Day in Rome is the most delicious audiobook you will listen to this summer.

Critic reviews

<p>“Absolutely enchanting, an ode to all the semi-magical towns and vibrant cities in the world where fate is decided. Love has many faces—and Mark Lamprell knows them all. This is a book for those willing to travel the road of love from the beginning, across the long middle, to the end, over and over again. (And, by the way: you will discover the secret places of Rome in every chapter!)”<br>—Nina George, author of <i>New York Times </i>bestseller <i>The Little Paris Bookshop</i></p>

One Summer Day seemed more like a year

I'm dense when it comes to allegory, and I suspect I missed the deeper meanings in this story. 6 people come to Rome for a day (or two) in pairs or solo looking for meaning and direction in the next chapter in their lives. And then the chapters pile up and take the listener through various twists and turns, as we join them on their quests.

The reading was fine, the writing was good; however, the characters didn't particularly interest me. At least it wasn't a long listen. It was not the light travelogue romance I expected. so that's probably my fault, and I'm sure many others will find the story and characters more interesting that I did.

For those who love and love Rome

I am not familiar with Rome and its treasures. For those who are,I am sure will enjoy the trip. The concept of the Roman "spirit" as narrator was clever. I enjoyed the chapters being introduced by quotes from renowned writers,artists, geniuses, and philosophers. The characters were charming. The denouement was a lovely twist of there are no coincidences. My only disappointment was the narrator's voice was rather monotone and I would sometimes doze off and have to remember where I was in the novel and go back.

Memories of walking Rome

So many of the streets and sights in this book I have walked and seen. Interesting story and good narration. You can use this book as a guide to travel and enjoy Rome like a local.

Evocative of Rome in summer, but a contrived plot

Listening to this book was like being taken on a tour of the tourist spots of Rome. I often felt that I should open google maps and follow along with the route of the characters. It does capture the feel of a summer day in Rome. But the plot is very far-fetched, and I have to say that I did not ever feel engaged with the characters, even though they are meant to be sympathetic. If you love visiting Rome, it's worth the listen, but otherwise, not so much.

Totally enjoyable!

This was a refreshing journey with a rewarding end. Most interesting is the author's ability to convey honest emotions from both the male and female perspective. Any book that evokes real tears is a treasure as this one surprisingly does. You almost have a feeling that you've just spent a few days in Roma through Mr. Lamprell's vivid and detailed descriptions. What a thrill! I certainly look forward to reading/listening to more from this author. Grazie mille!